Wrist and forearm protector and method for its use

ABSTRACT

The present device is a wrist and forearm protector intended to reduce or eliminate contact between a user&#39;s skin and potentially hazardous liquids such as blood. This protector can be worn over a latex glove, thus preventing the glove from slipping down. In an embodiment, the wrist and forearm protector can comprise a tear-away strip allowing the protector to be removed without pulling it over the user&#39;s skin and risking contamination from the exterior of the protector. Other embodiments can comprise textured surfaces for increasing friction between the exterior of the protector and skin or absorbent pads, which can be used to wipe up excess liquids.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present device is personal protection equipment designed to prevent the contact of blood or other potentially hazardous substances with the wrists and forearms of tattoo artists or others that regularly encounter such dangers.

BACKGROUND

When applying a tattoo, the artist is almost always exposed to the blood of the person receiving the tattoo. This can be extremely dangerous because it is well known that blood can carry pathogens and diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis, many of which have no known cure. Therefore, every reasonable precaution should be taken to avoid contact with blood or other potentially hazardous fluids.

The tattooing process requires the use of a needle to inject ink below the uppermost layers of skin where the epidermis and dermis meet. The needle punctures the surface of the skin and deposits the ink beneath these top layers of skin. Upon puncturing the skin, blood from the person receiving the tattoo is released and this blood mixes with excess ink as it escapes from the skin, creating a significant amount of liquid that could potentially contain deadly diseases. Any openings in the skin of the tattoo artist, or anyone else with which the fluid comes into contact, could allow these pathogens to enter his or her body.

The current, common practice used to prevent skin exposure is for the tattoo artist to wear latex gloves and to use an absorbent article, such as a towel, to remove excess liquid. Removing the excess liquid keeps the potential hazard contained to a small area and also allows the skin or the design or stencil to remain visible to the artist. However, soaking up the liquid cannot be performed continuously, thus some liquid will be capable of pooling and coming into contact with the tattoo artist. Moreover, this method cannot prevent splattering, which can also expose the artist to the hazardous blood and ink mixture.

Tattoo artists are aware of the potential hazards from exposure to bodily fluids and will typically use some type of personal protective equipment, such as latex gloves. However, gloves allow portions of the skin to be exposed, particularly at or above the wrist area. One specific problem involves exposure created when the upper edge of the artist's latex glove rolls down toward his or her palm. As the tattoo artist is working, the outside corner of the palm of the hand holding the tattoo machine and needle is typically used to pull the subject's skin tight. This same hand must simultaneously move over the surface of the subject's skin in order to pull lines, push lines, shade, or otherwise draw the tattoo. The friction created between the artist's hand and the subject's skin forces the wrist section of the glove to roll towards the palm and fingers of the tattoo artist.

What is needed is a wrist and forearm protector that can prevent physical contact between a tattoo artist and a person receiving a tattoo or any splattering fluids, thus eliminating any liquid contamination while tattooing and can allow the artist to stretch the skin surrounding the tattoo more effectively than could be performed without the forearm protector. The protector can be disposable, easy to remove, and capable of holding supplies that are useful to the tattoo artist while he or she is working.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an aspect of the present device to provide a wrist and forearm protector that can prevent physical contact between a tattoo artist and a person receiving a tattoo or any splattering fluids, thus eliminating any liquid contamination while tattooing and can allow the artist to stretch the skin surrounding the tattoo more effectively than could be performed without the forearm protector. It is another aspect of the present device to provide a protector that can stay in place and not roll, can be disposable, easy to remove, and capable of holding supplies that are useful to the tattoo artist while he or she is working.

The above aspect can be obtained by a wrist and forearm protector, the protector comprising: a tube-like structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a palm side and a back side and a first end and a second end; a thumbhole located near the first end; and a tear-away strip.

The above aspect can also be obtained by a wrist and forearm protector, the protector comprising: a tube-like structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a palm side and a back side and a first end and a second end; a thumbhole located near the first end; a tear-away strip; and a textured surface.

The above aspect can also be obtained by a method for using a wrist and forearm protector, the method comprising: providing a wrist and forearm protector, the protector comprising: a tube-like structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a palm side and a back side, a first opening and a second opening, and a first end and a second end; a thumbhole located near the first end; and a tear-away strip; providing a glove; placing the glove on a hand; placing the gloved hand through the second opening at the second end of the wrist and forearm protector; placing a thumb from the gloved hand through the thumbhole; placing fingers of the gloved hand through the first opening at the first end of the wrist and forearm protector; and removing the wrist and forearm protector by tearing the tear-away strip along the length of the wrist and forearm protector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features and advantages of the present device, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present device, will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 is palm side view of a wrist and forearm protector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a backside view of a wrist and forearm protector according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a backside view of a wrist and forearm protector having partially used tear-away strip wherein a ripcord has been pulled along nearly half the length of the tear-away strip according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a palm side view of a wrist and forearm protector being worn on a hand and arm according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a backside view of a wrist and forearm protector being worn on a hand and arm according to an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a palm side view of a wrist and forearm protector comprising an absorbent pad according to an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a backside view of a wrist and forearm protector comprising an absorbent pad according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a palm side view of a wrist and forearm protector comprising a textured surface according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a backside view of a wrist and forearm protector comprising a textured surface according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. In the description, relative terms such as “lower,” “upper,” “horizontal,” “vertical,”, “above,” “below,” “up,” “down,” “top” and “bottom” as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally,” “downwardly,” “upwardly,” etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the apparatus be constructed or operated in a particular orientation. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as “connected” and “interconnected,” refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise.

The present device is a protective barrier device for use while tattooing another person. A tattoo artist must be able to hold the subject's skin tight, which is usually accomplished by the use of the forefinger and thumb of the non-dominant hand and the bottom portion of the palm of the dominant hand. The friction created between the bottom of the palm of the dominant hand and the subject's skin can cause the artist's glove on the dominant hand to roll down exposing his or her wrist to the ink and blood that is present during the tattooing process. Any skin exposure to another person's blood can present a serious health hazard and should be avoided if possible.

The present wrist and forearm protector can be made from a waterproof material, so that no blood or any other liquid can penetrate it and reach the skin. The article can be made from a material with elastic properties, so that it fits snuggly around the wrist, with a portion preferably extending over the thumb to hold it in place. It can be made from a material that can provide friction with the skin of the subject in order to facilitate holding the skin tight. Furthermore, the fabric can comprise a seam with a pull tab or ripcord that can be used to easily remove the device while preventing liquid from contacting the skin. The article can also be disposable and intended for a single use. Finally, the fabric can comprise an aesthetically pleasing design to promote its use.

The present wrist and forearm protector can be used to prevent contamination of a tattoo artist's wrist and forearm by blood and other potentially hazardous fluids. Although this device is intended for use primarily by tattoo artists, it can also be used by anyone requiring protection from liquid contamination to the area of the arm that is exposed above the area protected by a glove. In addition to protecting the tattoo artist, the present wrist and forearm protector can also help to protect others that may come into contact with the artist's wrists and arms. This is due to the disposable nature of the device, which can improve the hygiene of the tattoo artist, thus reducing the likelihood that blood from one client will be spread to the next through contact with the artist.

The present wrist and forearm protector can be made from inexpensive materials so that it can be disposed of after a single use. Additionally, it can comprise a tear strip, which can allow it to be removed easily, thus reducing the possibility of contamination of the user's skin when he or she removes the present wrist and forearm protector. This tear strip cannot be reattached to the wrist and forearm protector, thus forcing the user to dispose of it after being used only a single time, which also helps to prevent possible contamination created by repeated use of contaminated articles.

Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is a palm side 105 view of a wrist and forearm protector according to an embodiment.

The overall design of the wrist and forearm protector 100 is a tube-like structure having a first end 101 and a second end 102, wherein the first end 101 can comprise a thumbhole 104. By placing a user's thumb (not pictured) through the thumbhole 104, the device 100 can be prevented from moving upward along the user's arm (not pictured) or rotating around the user's arm.

FIG. 2 is a backside 205 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 according to an embodiment.

In this view, a tear-away strip 201 can be visible on the backside 205 of the wrist and forearm protector 100. This tear-away strip 201 can take many forms including a ripcord 210, which when pulled, can activate a release seam allowing the wrist and forearm protector 100 to be removed without requiring the exterior surface to be pulled over the user's skin, risking contamination by material located on the outside of the personal protection device 100. In an embodiment, the tear-away strip 201 can comprise a perforated or otherwise weakened piece of material that can run along the length of the tear-away strip 201 and the tear-away strip 201 can run along the length of the wrist and forearm protector 100. The ripcord 210 can be located above, below, adjacent to, or within the tear-away strip 201. Other tear-away devices or similar connecting devices can also be used to create the tear-away strip, including Velcro, laces, buttons, hooks, adhesives, stitchings, or any other suitable connecting devices known in the relevant art.

Although the pull tab of the ripcord 210 in this figure is located at the first end 101 of the wrist and forearm protector 100, it can also be located at the second end 102 of the wrist and forearm protector 100. A benefit of locating the pull tab of the ripcord 210 at the first end 101 is that the thumbhole can act as an anchor, holding the wrist and forearm protector 100 in place while the ripcord 210 is pulled.

The protection device 100 can slip over the user's hand and can be aligned into the correct position by placing the thumb through the thumbhole 104. In an embodiment, the correct alignment of the wrist and forearm protector 100 can locate the tear strip on the backside of the hand and wrist and a ripcord can be located near the thumb joint.

FIG. 3 is a backside view of a wrist and forearm protector having partially used tear-away strip 201 wherein a ripcord 210 has been pulled along nearly half of the tear-away strip 201 according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the ripcord 210 can be a wire, string, or thread embedded within the material comprising the disposable wrist and forearm protector 100, wherein this material can be torn or cut by the ripcord 210 when it is pulled. In this embodiment, the ripcord 210 can be located above or below the material comprising the wrist and forearm protector 100, so long as the ripcord's 210 removal would effectuate a tear in this material. In another embodiment, the ripcord 210 can form part of the exterior surface of the wrist and forearm protector 100, wherein the ripcord 210 constitutes a strip comprising part of this exterior surface of the covering.

FIG. 4 is a palm side 105 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 being worn on a hand 402 and arm 403 according to an embodiment. In this view, the area of the hand 402 and wrist 403 that can be protected by the present wrist and forearm protector 100 can be seen. A latex glove (not pictured) can be worn on the hand 402 and the wrist and forearm protector 100 can be placed over the hand 402 and latex glove making it nearly impossible for blood or other liquid contaminants to leak into the glove's opening. Furthermore, the length of the wrist and forearm protector 100 can be sufficient so that any splattering of liquid contaminants is likely to contact the protector 100 and not the arm 403 of the person wearing the protector 100.

FIG. 5 is a backside 205 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 being worn on a hand 402 and arm 403 according to an embodiment. Here, the position of the ripcord 210 when the wrist and forearm protector 100 is worn can be seen, according to an embodiment. Although FIGS. 2 and 5 show the tear-away strip 201 on the backside 205 of the protector 100, it can be placed anywhere on the surface of the protector 100. However, one potential benefit of placing the tear-away strip 201 on the backside 205 of the wrist and forearm protector 100 can be reduced exposure of the strip 201 to liquid contaminants. This is particularly true when the protector 100 is used by tattoo artists because most of the splattering caused by tattooing occurs on the palm side of the protector 100.

FIG. 6 is a palm side 105 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 comprising an absorbent pad 601 according to an embodiment.

In an embodiment, the disposable wrist and forearm protector 100 can also comprise an absorbent pad 601, which can be used to soak up liquids. This can be a particularly important feature for tattoo artists because tattooing creates a significant amount of blood and ink mixture that must frequently be wiped away in order to clearly view the work area.

FIG. 7 is a backside 205 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 comprising an absorbent pad 601 according to an embodiment.

The absorbent pad 601 can be a paper towel-like material or any other material configured to absorb liquids. In an embodiment, the absorbent pads 601 can be replaceable allowing multiple different absorbent pads 601 to be connected to a wrist and forearm protector 100. The connection of the absorbent pad 601 can be connected to the wrist and forearm protector 100 with an adhesive, Velcro, or any other suitable connecting material known to those skilled in the relevant art. Although only one absorbent pad is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, more than one absorbent pad can be connected to the wrist and forearm protector 100.

FIG. 8 is a palm side 105 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 comprising a textured surface 702 according to an embodiment

In an embodiment, the disposable wrist and forearm protector 100, which when properly aligned, can comprise a textured surface 702 located near the wrist and can cross over the ulna bone near the base of the wrist where the tattoo artist's hand contacts the skin of the subject. The purpose of this textured surface 702 can be to improve a tattoo artist's ability to stretch the skin upon which the tattoo is being applied by increasing the level of friction between the protector 100 and the skin. Latex can have an innate ability to grab and pull skin, but the addition of a textured surface 702 to the disposable wrist and forearm protector 100 can allow the remaining parts of the protector 100 to be constructed of a material other than latex. Although the textured surface can be at least partially comprised of latex, any other suitable material could also be used.

FIG. 9 is a backside 205 view of a wrist and forearm protector 100 comprising a textured surface 702 according to an embodiment.

In the embodiment depicted in this figure, the tear-away strip 201 does not overlap or intersect the textured surface 702. However, in alternative embodiments, the strip 201 could overlap or intersect the textured surface 702 so long as the ripcord 210 was configured to tear through the textured surface 702 as it could any other surface comprising the protector 100.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claims should be construed broadly, to include other variants and embodiments of the invention, which may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A wrist and forearm protector, the protector comprising: a tube-like structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a palm side and a back side and a first end and a second end; a thumbhole located near the first end; and a tear-away strip running the length of the tube-like structure.
 2. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the tear-away strip comprises a ripcord along the length of the tear-away strip.
 3. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the tear-away strip is located on the backside.
 4. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the protector is at least partly comprised of latex.
 5. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the tear-away strip comprises Velcro.
 6. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the tear-away strip comprises an adhesive.
 7. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the protector is comprised of a waterproof material.
 8. A wrist and forearm protector, the protector comprising: a tube-like structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a palm side and a backside and a first end and a second end; a thumbhole located near the first end; a tear-away strip running the length of the tube-like structure; and a textured surface.
 9. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the tear-away strip comprises a ripcord along the length of the tear-away strip.
 10. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the tear-away strip is located on the backside.
 11. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the protector is at least partly comprised of latex.
 12. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the tear-away strip comprises Velcro.
 13. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the tear-away strip comprises an adhesive.
 14. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the protector is comprised of a waterproof material.
 15. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 1 wherein the protector also comprises an absorbent pad.
 16. A wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 8 wherein the protector also comprises an absorbent pad.
 17. A method for using a wrist and forearm protector, the method comprising: providing a wrist and forearm protector, the protector comprising: a tube-like structure having an interior surface and an exterior surface, a palm side and a backside, a first opening and a second opening, and a first end and a second end; a thumbhole located near the first end; and a tear-away strip running the length of the tube-like structure; providing a glove; placing the glove on a hand; placing the gloved hand through the second opening at the second end of the protector; placing a thumb from the gloved hand through the thumbhole; placing fingers of the gloved hand through the first opening at the first end of the protector; and removing the protector by tearing the tear-away strip along the length of the tube-like structure.
 18. A method for using a wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 17 wherein a ripcord is used to tear the tear-away strip along the length of the protector.
 19. A method for using a wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 17 wherein the protector comprises a textured surface.
 20. A method for using a wrist and forearm protector as described in claim 17 wherein the protector comprises an absorbent pad. 